“I’m not going to say we're not looking at other options just in case,” Williams said, “but we told him at the end of the season to prepare and come in to be our starting shortstop and I think once we let him play that position and settle in, we’re going to see a really good young player.”

CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 16: Scooter Gennett #4 of the Cincinnati Reds waves to fans while standing with general manager Dick Williams during a ceremony to commemorate his four home run game from June 6 prior to a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on June 16, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images

2. Jesse Winker is “absolutely ready” to be a full-time major leaguer.

“It's going to be an interesting challenge – We think we have four outfielders who can contribute,” Williams said.

With two left-handed hitters (Winker and Schebler), a righty (Duvall) and a switch-hitter (Hamilton), Williams likes the matchup potential manager Bryan Price would have while giving all four players regular at-bats instead of having the same three start every day.

After Giancarlo Stanton was traded to the Yankees to avoid having to go through another Marlins rebuild, Williams was asked if the Reds All-Star first baseman had ever expressed a desire to be moved to a contender.

Nope.

“He's committed to what we're doing, and he was one of the first conversations I had when I was promoted,” Williams said. “'Joey, what do you think about where we are, and what do you see your role as?' He said, 'I wouldn't have signed a long-term deal in a small market expecting to be competitive every year. I'm in it for the ups and downs. And he really is."

The live-armed Cuban reliever has been the subject of trade rumors for two straight offseasons, but Williams indicated he’s part of the Reds’ long-term plans.

Rebuilding teams don’t typically worry about how good their closer is, but Williams said the Reds don’t view him as a traditional closer because he can pitch multiple innings per outing and be used various times in a game.

"He's gonna be here for when we're competitive again. We want him to be a big part of the success in the next few years."

"I don't think we'll be too crazy this winter,” he said. “It's all about bringing these guys along and developing them. We've been in the middle of a rebuild for a couple of years and you've got to stick to that plan.”

That doesn’t mean the club won’t be making any major moves, but Williams said he prefers to be thought of as “opportunistic” when it comes to adding talent.